Your dryer is running and the drum is spinning, but your clothes are still damp after a full cycle. This is one of the most common dryer problems, and the good news is that many causes are relatively straightforward to diagnose and fix.
In this guide, we'll cover the main reasons why dryers stop heating, differences between electric and gas dryers, and when you should call a professional.
Electric vs. Gas Dryers: Important Differences
Before we dive into troubleshooting, it's crucial to understand which type of dryer you have:
Electric Dryers:
- Plug into a 240-volt outlet (large plug with 3-4 prongs)
- Use electric heating elements to generate heat
- More common in apartments and newer homes
Gas Dryers:
- Plug into a regular 120-volt outlet PLUS have a gas line connection
- Use a gas burner to generate heat
- More energy-efficient but require professional installation
The type of dryer you have determines which components might be causing the problem.
Common Causes for Electric Dryers
1. Blown Thermal Fuse
What it does: This safety device cuts power to the heating element if the dryer overheats. It's designed to prevent fires.
Why it fails: Usually caused by restricted airflow due to clogged lint trap, blocked vent hose, or bird nests in exterior vent.
Symptoms:
- Dryer runs normally but produces no heat
- Fuse blows permanently (doesn't reset)
DIY Check:
- Requires multimeter to test for continuity
- Located on blower housing or heating element housing
- If blown, it must be replaced (can't be reset)
Cost: $15-30 for part, $150-$200 if professionally installed
Important: If your thermal fuse blew, you MUST find and fix the underlying airflow problem or it will blow again!
2. Faulty Heating Element
What it does: The heating element is a coil that glows red-hot when electricity passes through it, generating heat.
Why it fails: Age, power surges, or manufacturing defects can cause the element to break or burn out.
Symptoms:
- No heat or intermittent heat
- Sometimes you can see a visible break in the coil
DIY Check:
- Requires removing dryer panels to access
- Test with multimeter for continuity
- Visual inspection can sometimes reveal broken coil
Cost: $30-50 for part, $150-$300 for professional replacement
Difficulty: Moderate - requires disassembly and electrical testing
3. Defective Cycling Thermostat
What it does: Monitors dryer temperature and cycles the heating element on/off to maintain proper heat levels.
Why it fails: Normal wear and tear, electrical issues
Symptoms:
- Intermittent heating (works sometimes, not others)
- Dryer gets too hot or not hot enough
Cost: $20-40 for part, $100-$200 professionally installed
4. Bad High-Limit Thermostat
What it does: Safety device that cuts power if temperature exceeds safe levels (usually around 250°F).
Symptoms:
- Similar to thermal fuse - no heat at all
- May cycle on and off
Cost: $15-30 for part, $100-$175 professionally installed
Common Causes for Gas Dryers
1. Faulty Igniter
What it does: The igniter glows white-hot to ignite the gas and create heat. This is the MOST COMMON failure point in gas dryers.
Why it fails: Igniters are fragile and can crack or weaken over time (typically last 3-5 years).
Symptoms:
- Dryer runs but no heat
- You might hear the gas valve click but burner doesn't light
- Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't (intermittent)
DIY Check:
- Open dryer and observe igniter during operation (BE CAREFUL!)
- If igniter glows but burner doesn't light, it's weak and needs replacement
- If igniter doesn't glow at all, it's completely failed
Cost: $25-50 for part, $150-$250 professionally installed
Safety Note: Working on gas appliances requires caution. If you smell gas at any point, shut off the gas valve and call a professional immediately.
2. Defective Gas Valve Solenoids
What they do: These electromagnetic valves open to allow gas flow when the igniter is ready.
Why they fail: Electrical failure, coil burnout, or mechanical problems
Symptoms:
- Igniter glows white but burner doesn't light
- One burner works but not both (dryers typically have 2 gas valves)
- Weak flame or intermittent heating
Cost: $50-100 for parts, $200-$300 professionally replaced
3. Thermal Fuse (same as electric)
Gas dryers also have thermal fuses that can blow if the dryer overheats. See the electric dryer section above - same cause, same solution.
Simple Things to Check First
Before calling a pro, check these easy things:
1. Circuit Breaker (Electric Dryers)
Electric dryers use a double-pole breaker. Sometimes ONE half trips, allowing the drum to spin but cutting power to the heating element.
Check: Your breaker panel - flip breaker fully OFF then back ON
2. Lint Trap and Vent Hose
A clogged vent causes overheating, which can trigger safety devices.
Check:
- Clean lint trap (every load!)
- Disconnect vent hose and check for blockages
- Check exterior vent for obstructions (bird nests are common)
- Vent hose should be rigid metal, not flexible plastic
Signs of Poor Venting:
- Clothes take 2+ cycles to dry
- Dryer exterior gets very hot
- Laundry room feels humid
- Burning smell
3. Door Sensor/Switch
Some dryers won't heat if the door isn't fully closed or the door switch is faulty.
Check:
- Ensure door closes completely
- Listen for "click" when closing door
- Test by pressing door switch manually
4. Power Supply (Gas Dryers)
Gas dryers need BOTH electricity (for igniter) AND gas supply.
Check:
- Dryer is plugged in
- Gas supply valve is turned ON (handle parallel to pipe)
- No gas smell (if you smell gas, shut off valve and call gas company)
Diagnostic Guide: What Do Your Symptoms Mean?
Dryer runs but no heat at all:
- Electric: Thermal fuse, heating element, or thermostat
- Gas: Igniter or thermal fuse
Dryer heats for a bit then stops:
- Thermal fuse cycling (airflow problem)
- High-limit thermostat cycling
- Clogged vent causing overheating
Takes 2-3 cycles to dry (weak heat):
- Weak igniter (gas dryers)
- Partially failed heating element (electric)
- Severely restricted airflow
Intermittent heating (works sometimes):
- Cycling thermostat
- Weak igniter
- Loose wire connection
When to Call a Professional
Call EasyBear or a qualified tech if:
- You've checked breaker, lint trap, and vent but still no heat
- You're not comfortable working with electrical components
- You own a gas dryer (gas repairs require expertise)
- You need to access internal components (requires disassembly)
- There's any smell of burning or gas
- Your dryer is still under warranty
Repair Cost Breakdown
Bay Area Average Costs:
- Service call + diagnosis: $75-$100
- Thermal fuse replacement: $150-$200
- Heating element replacement (electric): $200-$300
- Igniter replacement (gas): $150-$250
- Gas valve replacement: $200-$300
- Thermostat replacement: $100-$200
Repair vs Replace Decision:
- If repair costs > $400 and dryer is > 10 years old, consider replacement
- New dryers cost $500-$1,200 for basic models
- Energy-efficient models may save $50-$100/year on utilities
Prevention & Maintenance Tips
Extend your dryer's life and prevent heating issues:
- Clean lint trap after EVERY load - this is the #1 prevention tip
- Deep-clean vent system annually - hire a professional vent cleaning service or DIY
- Don't overload - clothes need room to tumble freely
- Use proper cycle - high heat damages clothes and stresses components
- Clean moisture sensors - wipe down metal strips inside drum with rubbing alcohol
- Inspect vent hose yearly - replace if crushed, disconnected, or plastic
- Ensure 4-inch clearance behind dryer for air circulation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fix a dryer that's not heating myself? A: Simple fixes like cleaning vents or checking breakers are safe DIY tasks. Internal component replacement requires disassembly and electrical knowledge - best left to professionals unless you're experienced.
Q: Why does my dryer take 2 hours to dry clothes? A: This usually indicates restricted airflow (clogged vent) or a weak heating element/igniter. Check and clean your entire vent system first.
Q: Is it dangerous if my gas dryer won't heat? A: If you smell gas, it's an emergency - shut off the gas valve immediately and call a professional. Otherwise, a gas dryer that won't heat is usually just a failed igniter (not dangerous, just inconvenient).
Q: How long should a dryer heating element last? A: Electric heating elements typically last 8-12 years. Gas igniters last 3-5 years on average.
Q: Will cleaning the vent really make a difference? A: Absolutely! A clean vent can reduce drying time by 50% and prevent many heating-related failures. It also reduces fire risk.
Need Expert Help?
EasyBear provides same-day dryer repair service throughout the San Francisco Bay Area:
- All major brands: Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, and more
- Both electric and gas dryer repairs
- 90-day warranty on all repairs
- Free diagnosis with repair
- Upfront pricing before we start work
Don't waste hours running your dryer multiple times. Book a repair appointment today and get your dryer heating properly again!
Safety Reminder: If you smell gas at any time, turn off the gas supply valve, evacuate your home, and call the gas company immediately.
